How to Beat Dante: Dante Weakness and Strategies (Ikebukuro Encounter)

This is a guide to Dante, a boss in Shin Megami Tensei III HD Remaster (SMT Nocturne) for the Nintendo Switch, Steam, and PS4. Read on to know how to beat Dante, Dante's weaknesses, and best strategies against this boss!

Dante Articles
Dante (1st Encounter)	Dante (2nd Encounter)	How to Get Dante

Dante Pre-Battle Guide

Only Fought in the Maniax DLC

To fight Dante, you must have played the Maniax Version of the game. It's DLC content that adds him, several optional bosses, and a new dungeon required for a certain ending!

How to Get Maniax Pack

Strengths and Weaknesses

Weaknesses

Dante does not have any Elemental weaknesses, however, you can still utilize both Phys and Magic attacks to inflict damage onto him.

Strengths

Dante will utilize Phys attacks, some cannot be dodged, likewise, he has a buff called Provoke that will boost his Phys attacks and drastically decrease your party's defense. He will also Void Light, Dark, and any type of Ailment skill, so don't use them as it will not be fruitful.

While Dante can resist both Phys and Magic attacks, he is not totally immune to them. Buff your attacks beforehand, and always dedicate a turn to debuff him to inflict more damage. However, do not overinvest in debuffing Dante as he possesses Holy Star that can cancel out all debuffs on a single turn.

Best Demons to Use Against Dante

Best Demons to Use
Momunofu	Arahabaki	Archangel
Ame-no-Uzume	Dionysus	Naga

How to Beat Dante

Be Cautious with Using Debuffs

Dante possesses Holy Star that can cancel out all debuffs on a single turn. It is fine to debuff Dante but you shouldn't overinvest or he will simply cancel all debuffs out in a single turn.

Use Buffs for Attacks

Use a buff like Focus or Tarukaja before using a Phys attack. This allows you to maximize your Phys Attack's damage output in the short turns you get.

Use a buff like Makakaja before using a Magic skill. This allows you to maximize your Magic Attack's damage output in the short turns you get.

Raise Your Party's Defenses Against Provoke, Rebellion, and Bullet Time

Dante has a buff called Provoke that will boost his Phys attacks and drastically decrease your party's defense, and multi-target Physical attacks called Rebellion and Bullet Time that cannot be dodged. Use a skill like Rakukaja to raise your party's defense and minimize the damage you take.

Not Totally Immune to Phys Attacks

While Dante can resist Phys attacks, he is not totally immune to them, so don't hesitate to use Phys attacks on him.

No Resistance Against Magic Attacks Except for Light, Dark, and Ailments

Dante Voids Light, Dark, and Ailments skills, but be comfortable using other elemental Magic attacks as Dante cannot block or counter these.

Bring Demons That Can Block Phys

Dante relies on Phys Attacks, so we highly recommend bringing along demons that can block Phys.

Have At Least One Dedicated Healer in Your Party

Summon demons that have Dia or Media so your party can restore HP as you move along the battle. This will be ideal especially in situations wherein you have no available Recovery items on hand.

Equip Kamudo to Demi-Fiend

Kamudo Magatama will boost Strength, which will increase your Phys Attack’s damage output, and it will also boost Vitality which will increase your HP, helping you stay longer in this fight.

How to Get Kamudo

Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne Related Boss Guides

Boss Guides

Story Boss Guides

Story Bosses
Forneus	Specter
Thor	Berith
Ose	Kaiwan
Mizuchi	Moirae Sisters
Specter (2nd Encounter)	Girimekhala
Sakahagi	Specter (3rd Encounter)
Aciel	Skadi
Albion and Zoas	Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel
Futomimi	Mot
Mitra	Samael
Ahriman	Noah
Thor (2nd Encounter)	Baal
Lucifer	Kagutsuchi

Maniax / Chronicles Only Boss Guides

Matador	Daisojou
Dante	Hell Biker
White Rider	Red Rider
Black Rider	Pale Rider
Dante (2nd Encounter)	Mother Harlot
Trumpeter	Beelzebub
Metatron

Mini-Boss Guides

Troll	Orthrus
Yaksini	Eligor
Koppa Tengu and Incubus	Naga
Surt	Mada

Optional Bosses

Nekomata	Oni
Fuu-Ki	Kin-Ki
Sui-Ki	Ongyo-Ki
Black Frost